In a commercial or institutional building, every air leak or water infiltration is expensive. These invisible losses result in higher energy consumption, rising heating or cooling costs and, in the long run, premature deterioration of the building’s structure.
Sealing: The solution for protecting your building from air and water leaks
Like good insulation, a good seal directly contributes to occupant comfort and overall energy performance. Sealing a building prevents heat from escaping in the winter, cold from escaping in the summer and moisture from seeping into walls, where it can cause mould and costly damage.
Air infiltration can increase natural gas consumption by 12%1 in commercial and institutional buildings.
Sealing and insulation: What’s the difference?
These two concepts are often confused, yet they fulfill distinct roles:
- Sealing is intended to prevent air and water leaks by making the building envelope leak-proof.
- Insulation consists of limiting the loss of heated or cooled air using efficient materials that act as a thermal barrier.
When combined, these two measures ensure optimal energy efficiency and lasting comfort for occupants.
Four benefits of a well-sealed building
- Energy savings = lower bill and reduced GHG emissions
- Increased comfort with a more stable indoor temperature without drafts
- Better protected structure, so less maintenance and greater durability
- Better, healthier and drier indoor air
How to know if your building is leak-proof:
Do a blower door test
A blower door test is used to locate any areas where air can escape. Once these areas are identified, work can be done to repair them: foundation waterproofing, floor membrane, roof membrane, caulking, etc. This can be done in addition to insulation work to improve energy efficiency and reduce the building’s energy costs and GHG emissions.
Good to know
For LEEDR certification or an EnerGuide rating, a blower door test is mandatory and must be carried out in accordance with the CAN/CGSB-149.10-2019 standard.
Grants
Énergir offers business customers a grant2 for sealing projects under its renovation program, covering up to 75% of the cost of blower door tests.
Efficient renovation
Up to $100,000 in grants
Your sealing project action plan
- Plan your project. Assess your building’s needs and set energy efficiency goals.
- Hire a qualified contractor and/or engineer. A recognized professional will ensure that insulation materials and techniques meet standards and maximize results.
- Depending on the size of your project, you may need the assistance of a consulting engineering firm. Registered consulting engineering firms assist Énergir customers in identifying and implementing their efficiency projects.
- Take action. Kick off your project and enjoy the energy savings in the first few months.
Want to talk to the energy solutions team?
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Legal notice
- Source : Center for Energy and Environment study on air sealing tight commercial and institutional buildings, Dec. 2016.
- Certain conditions apply. Grants subject to change without notice Check each grant’s webpage for eligibility criteria.
